Allow me to re-elaborate how I felt about the first two films in the “Transformers” saga directed by Michael Bay and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. I know that the films were never faithful to the cartoon series nor to the 80’s comic books, but we have to remember that those two installments were made to promote a toy line from Hasbro and so all three films have the label “based on the Hasbro toys“ and this trilogy of films were made to sell more toys. The first film was made around a simple formulaic plot, flawed but it was enough to generate popcorn summer entertainment. Now the second film had better robot fights but a plot that just insulted several levels of my IQ. “Revenge of the Fallen” was just so disastrous that even members of its cast said the movie was terrible.

Well, this time, “Dark of the Moon” attempts to salvage the franchise from potential ruin, after the first sequel had nearly committed suicide by featuring humping robots, amateurish scripting, drew a few racial flags and featured robotic testicles (this time, Bay replaces it with gray robotic hair). “Dark of the Moon” is Michael Bay’s apology as he listened to some of the complaints, and while it was a tad better (a small tad) than the previous movie, it really isn’t saying much. It still wasn’t a good movie and just failed on other different levels.

Sam (Shia LaBeouf) is now an adult and after helping to save the world two years ago, he is struggling to find decent employment. It is only his super-hot new girlfriend Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whitely) who makes things easier for the young man. But some things never change, as a threat from several years ago when the first man walked on the moon have resurfaced to threaten the world. The Autobots led by Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) seemed to have the Decepticons reeling as Megatron (Hugo Weaving) himself is sent into hiding to lick his wounds. But when belief that the legendary Autobot leader Sentinel Prime (Leonard Nimoy) may be stuck on the moon, the Autobots mobilize but they may be aiding in the birth of a new threat. So it is up to Sam, Agent Simmons (John Turturro), the armed forces (including Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson) to try and aid the Autobots against the new rise of the Decepticon threat and the arrival of Cybertron….

I really don’t know why the creators of this franchise seem to have issues following the formula established in the first “Transformers” film. I mean it was simple enough and it is easy to extend the mythos of the Transformers universe. “Dark of the Moon” has a better core premise than the previous film; it had more thought and potential as to how it could incorporate certain devices and characterization, it was even darker as there were more scenes of harsh death that gave it some gritty appeal. "Dark of the Moon" has themes of betrayal and working together, even strong hints of freedom; true, it is formula but this wasn't the issue. The problem lies in the way the direction had executed the screenplay, it just so riddled with plot holes, plot missteps that anyone would be able to see them. Now I am not expecting something filled with intricacies, but that is the thing; it tries to add intricacies and forgets about them. The scripting and the editing was very inept and uncaring, the film feels like it was just there to display huge robot fights and made no attempts to make a credible script.

I mean, I am all for fast-paced direction to keep a film’s momentum, but I could not believe how the scripting and the direction could ignore certain plot details. The screenplay is awkward and rather over-edited, one minute you see one scene and then you see another, and then all of a sudden something happens and they forget the “wristwatch” worn by Sam (nor remember the 'energon power source scanners'). I cannot fully discuss this without spoiling the movie but those flaws were there, staring at my face. The dialogue and interactions in the first half was also very predictable which renders it boring. Bay and the script by Ehren Kruger tries to use the usual slapstick humor to keep its flow and I have to admit they did try to restrain it a little. There were some issues with its pacing as some parts just slowed down the film, I mean there were fights here and there, but the emotional impact was lost amid all the bad canned exchanges between Sam and Carly, the forced comedy between Simmons and Mearing (Frances McDormand) became an annoyance and several devices that went nowhere. I also have an issue with the way Bay introduces new characters, he seemed to keep their personalities as close to human as possible; which shouldn’t be a bad thing, but not entirely this way. The new “Wreckers”, “Sidewinder” and “Ironhide” were there, but they never made much of an impression. Sentinel Prime, “Shockwave” and “LaserBeak’s” appearances were welcome since they did have a reference to the classic series.

As for the robot fights, well, they were a little of a step backward to the fights of the previous films. Not that the special effects were bad, actually they were improved, but the battles had nothing behind all the hits, the explosions and the intensity just didn’t make it for me. The film’s lousy editing truly hurt the film, I just could not believe how they fumbled the robot fights that I found it lacking in its supposed sense of urgency and intensity. There was also too much going on, and the viewer wasn’t allowed to settle into the “anatomies” of its fight sequences. One minute, an Autobot was on the ropes, and then they retreat and then someone swoops in, it all became redundant after awhile. There was also a nausea-inducing gliding scene that went too long. I just didn’t care really who lived and who fell. Now the new decepticons weren’t exactly in full view but their ship's designs did look like a cross between “District 9” and “Terminator Salvation” ships, I even saw inspirations taken from the “Metroplex” storyline and some features from the Autobot “Skyfire” (from the cartoon).

As for the characters, well, they all seemed under-utilized and John Malcovich have a short screen time. Sam’s parents were once again in this feature and they serve as unneeded, obnoxious comedic devices but thankfully not for too long. Huntington-Whiteley was a looker, but I just couldn’t connect with her character; she was just there to satisfy the needs for another hot female lead, ala-Megan Fox. Turturro is annoying in his role as Simmons but this was intentional, so I cannot complain. LaBeouf seemed to be more reserved in yelling “Optimus!!” but he still does the open-mouthed goofball character that annoyed me to no end.

“Dark of the Moon” does have some robotic apocalyptic drama going for it; it had a more inspired plot than the first sequel, but I have said it before and I will say it again. Michael Bay is a decent action director but his skill in storytelling and this time editing is just so ham-fisted and callous. I wonder if there is an extended cut since I could see several scenes that felt incoherent, but at already 157 minutes, the film is just too long to get around with its bad scripting. At least, there are no overdone jive-talking robots (well there still are, but not as much as the "Twins" in the previous film) and the scenes with “Shockwave” did look menacing. The building demolition scene was also indeed cool ( not a spoiler since it was seen from the trailers). Michael Bay has made another brainless, popcorn summer film, while it does have its share of grittiness, it only does it right 50 % of the time. The other half is all about things you wouldn't care at all. It spends too much time with the bad parts just to get to the good parts, and when it does, you just become uninterested and barely even care anymore....

RENTAL [2 ½ Out of 5 Stars] Note: Seeing this in Standard DLP would suffice, NO 3D necessary.

nope you are not. You should see STAKE LAND or VANISHING ON 7TH STREET instead.

Butterfly1961July 02, 2011

Never heard of either one of those; where have I been? LOL The hubby wants to see it anyway simply cause he likes action and doesn't really care about a plot LOL -- I disagree!!

woopak_the_thrillJuly 03, 2011

reviews are under my profile. I do would like you to see "VANISHING..."since it was directed by the director of the horror film SESSION 9. Well, you just have to see it then since it is a long weekend. :)

Sounds like a good time if you shut your brain off. I feel obligated to see this because I caught a shoot for one of the fight scenes on video - which I uploaded to Youtube earlier this year when I was still in Chicago. I'm curious about how the final product turned out. I endured the shoots of Wanted and The Dark Knight too.

woopak_the_thrillJuly 02, 2011

I do think that turning off the brain would be the best approach to this film. Honestly this had a more inspired core plot than "Revenge of the Fallen", but the execution took too long to get to where it had to be. It could've easily gotten rid of several characters and cut 40 minutes off its runtime. It should've instead focused on the details on the road to the confrontation, and this would answer all the plot holes. I almost wondered if the script was re-written a few times, it felt that way.

Hi, Dev, I am just dumbfounded how he slipped up this bad. I liked him during the days when he made THE ROCK and that movie was even selected for Criterion dvd release. I think he should stop...thanks for reading my rant...er...review ;P

Well, this time, “Dark of the Moon” attempts to salvage the franchise from potential ruin, after the first sequel had nearly committed suicide by featuring humping robots, amateurish scripting, drew a few racial flags and featured robotic testicles (this time, Bay replaces it with gray robotic hair).

Um...ewww? What self respecting film maker does something like that? That right there reminds me of a really squicky Gundam fanfic I read years ago. I actually thought I had forgotten the images that mess had seared into my mind until I read this review. *twitches* Speaking of which, I've always been excited whenever I hear rumors about a live-action Gundam movie, but considering the Transformers trilogy I hope that never, ever happens. I used to love the Transformers cartoon when I was a kid, but I don't think I'm interested in any of these movies.

I know what you mean, I am stunned how Bay would even consider those things as viable plot devices. I too, am hopeful for a good Gundam film, but I think I'd rather have the Japanese do that adaptation since they are really good with mecha. I cringe to think what H-wood will be doing to Cowboy Bebop and Robotech, I am so afraid that they will begin to ruin the anime we have grown to love. You bet, if you may see this as a rental, I'd like to just do a review so readers can decide for themselves if a movie is for them or not. I take it you haven't seen "Revenge of the Fallen"?

stormtamerJuly 01, 2011

No, and I doubt I will. Whenever I see promos that start off with "Critics agree..." I basically lose interest. Seems to me when the critics agree, the general population doesn't. I'd be much more likely to see movies like this if they had the names Spielberg or Lucas attached to them.

woopak_the_thrillJuly 01, 2011

Good...you are not missing anything. This franchise has been co-produced by Spielberg...as to how far his influence was, I dunno LOL!!

I don't know why Bay continues to fit so many annoying characters in this movie and make the Transformers so secondary in the early movies. Even the first one, would tease you with Transformers here and there in between TOO MANY ANNOYING HUMANS.

woopak_the_thrillJuly 01, 2011

I know what you mean. The Transformers were interesting characters by themselves. I have no idea why Bay seems to never get back on track after THE ROCK. You may want to save this as a rental since...well, there are more humans here. annoying as ever. LOL!

TheJohnJuly 01, 2011

I've already heard some online video reviews of this saying that it is the best of the three but again with STUPID CHARACTERS like Deep Wang, Shia's mom and how Shia is moping about having a lingerie model girlfriend and his own palace of an apartment. WEAK. As one video reviewer said, "Shia is a dweeb." I don't mind John Turturro and I do want to see Nimoybot kick butt.

woopak_the_thrillJuly 01, 2011

I have to admit, it is darker and grittier, but the script and the direction just fumbles all its potentials. I mean, I don't want to spoil it, but Bay is a terrible storyteller.

There is something to admire about Michael Bay. He makes the movies he wants to make and doesn't care what the critics or anyone else thinks. He knows exactly what his fans want and always manages to deliver on that front. There is something quite admirable about a man who wants to simply sit back and make senseless movies. That's actually not an insult, it's a compliment. That doesn't mean I like Michael Bay movies, but it does mean that I have no big … more

As the Transformers movies went on, they got better and better each time for one reason, the humans got pushed to the background and we got to see more Transformers, more action and more excitement. The first movie took it's damn time getting the Transformers out there with only glimpses of them here and there before a great action finale. The second one, while maligned by many for many good reasons of too much comic relief, creaky story telling and broad racial stereotypes at least … more

Dark of the Moon was one of the most anticipated summer movies because it announced the closing, the ending, the final venture of this human and alien robots story. The last movie was pretty much acknowledged as a total catastrophe by the critics and cinephiles around the globe even though it scored highly at the box-office (like that really matters when judging quality). It was built on pure non-sense defining the point-less action movies of this generation. However, everyone turned … more

Star Rating: Why are they still making these movies? If you even think of coming back at me with, “Because they make money,” you no longer have permission to read my reviews. Even escapist movies that require no thought and have no message to send deserve good characters and decent dialogue, and they should at the very least be entertaining. Is that really so hard? For Michael Bay and his crew, especially his screenwriters, the answer is apparently … more

I don't believe Michael Bay has ever met a special effect he didn't like or an object he didn't want to blow up. For those fans of Michael Bay you are gonna get more of the same, maybe even a little darker than his attempts before. For those of you who are fans of non-stop action and that is all you need from a movie than by all means stop reading here and enjoy the film. I am not a Michael Bay fan and maybe that bias gets in the way, but good lord was this a dumb movie. … more

By Joan Alperin Schwartz 'Transformers - Dark Of The Moon' presented in 3D is directed by Michael Bay. First, I'll start with the good stuff. And yes, there is 'good stuff'. In fact, I think this is the best 'Transformers' of the series...which may or may not be saying much...depending on how you felt about the other two. Here it goes...In no particular order...What I liked … more

First off I should preface this by confessing that I am a big transformers fan: 1) I blame my brother for introducing me to the cartoon series at a young age and 2) I blame Michael Bay for making it look so badass to be a transforming robot. I mean, let’s be honest here, Bay has created three films for a franchise that can now continue to grow by showing younger generations that “old” cartoons make for some pretty cool stories (and toys). Granted, … more

15 - 157mins - Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi - 29th June 2011 Our summer of sequels continues with the Transformers returning to the big screen with their third outing. After the rather disappointing Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen I have to say that my hopes were not particularly high for this one. Dark of the Moon is set several years after the second movie where Sam (Shia LaBeouf) is struggling to get a job and return his life to normal and yet this still hasn't stopped … more

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Written by Ehren Kruger Directed by Michael Bay Starring Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Frances McDormand, Patrick Dempsey and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Simmons: Years from now, they’re going to ask, “Where were you when they took over the planet?” We’re going to say, “We just stood by and watched.” Before today, I would … more

A few months after Revenge of the Fallen hit theaters numerous rumors started to pop up about the third film in the franchise. One of the most prominent of them being that the Decepticon Unicron was going to be the featured antagonist. Although it was just a rumor it still got me super excited about this film. Even though i eventually found out Unicron wasn't going to be in the film the trailers and the supposed invasion of earth story line filled that gap. Transformers … more

Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro are set to reprise their starring roles, with Peter Cullen returning as the voice of Optimus Prime. Ehren Kruger, who collaborated in the writing of the second film, was said to be again involved in the writing. Despite having initially been confirmed for the film,[2] and with the film already into principal photography, it was announced that Megan Fox would not be reprising her role from the previous two films. With Fox's character Mikaela being dropped, Sam was assigned a new love interest, who will be played by English modelRosie Huntington-Whiteley. Also, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, having written the first two films, will not return for the third installment in the series,[3] which Orci had earlier somewhat anticipated, fearing the duo would "risk getting stale".[4] Bay has stated this would be his last installment in the series.[5]